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Do you know of a home on the market that is distinctive or unusual, or has an interesting or historical past? Email Marilyn Kalfus at mkalfus@ocregister.com.

A Bay Island home designed by the architect of the iconic Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite is on the market for $6.69 million.

The home, built in 1930, is one of 23 residences on private Bay Island off the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach. The custom homes are accessible only by footbridge or boat.

The two-story house, at 20 Bay Island, was "lovingly restored" and modernized in 2004, said Steve High of Coldwell Banker Previews International.

Renowned architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood designed the house, the Realtor said. Underwood is known for his national park lodges, including the Grand Canyon Lodge in Arizona and Bryce Canyon Lodge in Utah. The Ahwahnee Hotel opened in 1927 and was declared a historic landmark in 1987.

"It's a little rare in Orange County to find a house with some pedigree and vintage about it," High said.

The home has four bedrooms, five bathrooms, oak hardwood floors and a formal dining room.

The master suite features vaulted, lodge-style ceilingsand built-ins. The master bathroom includes marble floors with mosaic tiles, and the walk-in master closet has a window box with old-fashioned windows that open to a garden.

An enclosed porch and a lawn add to the peaceful setting. The home also has a private pier and three slips, one of which can accommodate a boat of up to 65 feet. The house, set in the heart of Newport Harbor, offers an expansive view that includes the main turning basin and a snowcapped mountain.

High said the 5 1/2-acre Bay Island is Newport Harbor's only natural island. The island has two private beaches, a tennis court with a harbor view, a caretaker's cottage, manicured gardens and quiet pathways.

There are no cars. Residents and visitors alike must park their vehicles on the peninsula, then walk – or drive a golf cart – past a private gate and across a small bridge leading to the island. High said no construction is allowed on the island in the summertime, helping to preserve the feeling of a quiet getaway.

Bay Island, founded in the early 20th century, was originally a gun club for duck hunters.

"It was so popular the first year that, by the second year, a poker club was added and women were invited," according to the book, "Newport Beach, A HarborTown History."

The island has another distinctive feature: The financial structure of the community means cash deals reign.

"Bay Island is a stock cooperative, which means all of the homeowners own the island together," High said. "When a buyer purchases he receives a share of stock, not a grant deed. Many lenders do not understand the concept."

High is listing the home along with Evan Corkett, also of Coldwell Banker Previews International.

The home at 20 Bay Island on Newport Beach's Bay Island was designed by the architect of the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite. PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE HIGH, COLDWELL BANKER PREVIEWS INTERNATIONAL
A view of Newport Harbor from the porch at 20 Bay Island. PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE HIGH, COLDWELL BANKER PREVIEWS INTERNATIONAL
The kitchen at 20 Bay Island in Newport Beach has statuary marble countertops and high-end appliances. PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE HIGH, COLDWELL BANKER PREVIEWS INTERNATIONAL
The master bedroom suite at 20 Bay Island has beamed, vaulted ceilings and built-ins. PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE HIGH, COLDWELL BANKER PREVIEWS INTERNATIONAL
The house at 20 Bay Island, built in 1930, was designed by renowned architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood. He is known for several historical structures, including the Awhanhee Hotel in Yosemite, seen above. FILE PHOTO BY BRUCE CHAMBERS, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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